Name: Kristen Claiborn's review of When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
Item: When We Left Cuba
Rating: 4
Author: Kristen Claiborn

Chanel Cleeton

Instant New York Times bestseller! In 1960s Florida, a young Cuban exile will risk her life—and heart—to take back her country in this exhilarating historical novel from the author of The Last Train to Key West and Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Beautiful. Daring. Deadly. The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez—her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost. As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future—but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything—not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart...

When We Left Cuba

Patricia Nelson

Kristen Claiborn

For me, Beatriz was the most intriguing of the sisters. She was the twin who survived, described as the most beautiful of the sisters, and the one that didn’t seem to care about the rules of mainstream society. Cleeton dropped many hints about Beatriz while she was telling Elisa’s story, so I felt like we were going to get a great, sweeping saga with this book. It wasn’t “sweeping,” but it was a great story. 
	Beatriz’s twin brother was killed by Castro’s soldiers, we learned that in book #1, and it seemed like she was intent on revenge. While in Palm Beach, rubbing shoulders with America’s elite, she was also working with the CIA on a plot to kill Castro. Since Cleeton is unable to change history, we clearly know that plan failed. Along the way she gained the affection of two men, neither of which were able to win her heart. As a romance fan, I was disappointed that she didn’t find the love of a lifetime, but for Beatriz, her purpose was elsewhere. 
	Beatriz’s story was truly one of determination that left me breathless.

Gisela Ayala 

Cleeton's second book is not as fast-paced as her first book. I really enjoy historical fiction though, and I'm a pretty patient reader when it comes to historic plots so it didn't bother me as much. But just as an FYI to other readers. I definitely loved the plot of the first book more though, but I love Beatriz more than Elisa. I might relate to Beatriz more personally though. I found her so interesting and fearless and all the things she did were amazing. Other than that, it is always so interesting to me to hear about historical events through fictional characters. Books like these add the emotion needed for people that aren't really into history.

Steph L 

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure where my rating would land, but the last three chapters were so good that it needed to be a five-star read. Read this book if you love Historical Fiction, great characters, and a great story.

Barbara Williford

Beatriz Perez and her family, once prestigious and influential people of Cuba, are forced to flea Cuba during the Cuban Revolution. As they are trying to reestablish themselves in the US, Beatriz is unsettled about their exile and the death of her twin brother by Castro. She rebels against social standards and elite society in love, action and motives as she joins forces as a CIA agent on a mission to kill Castro. Great historical fiction.

Larissa Kirchberger

I absolutely adore this book with my whole entire heart! if you loved Evelyn Hugo, you will love this book! I buddy read this at the start of the year and we finished it so quickly cos we just couldn’t put it down 🤍

Beatriz Perez is a beautiful young Cuban female, her family is one of the most influential & rich families in Cuba, but they fled to Florida when the Cuban Revolution hit. Beatriz becomes obsessed with one goal - to take down Fidel Castro, but she gets caught up in a dangerous political war filled with espionage and secrets. amongst all this, she becomes involved with a man, already engaged to another woman. 

the love that Beatriz has for her country is undeniable and she is willing to do whatever it takes to fight for the land she calls home. she is a fiercely bold character who isn’t afraid to put pressure on the standards expected of women in the 1960’s. 

huge appreciation for the historical accuracy in this book!!!!! this book features real life historical events and the fact that they were well researched and accurate is a big plus for me 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

side note: this is actually the sequel to Next Year in Havana but I don’t believe you have to read them in order

Julia

Dare I say I liked this even more than Next Year in Havana? SO GOOD.

Francesca G

Five stars isn't enough, When We Left Cuba deserves so much more. I wish I could experience reading it for the first time again. 

I dare say this is probably my favourite read of the year and I doubt anything else will top it at this point.

The Cuban Revolution took everything from Beatriz Perez. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge. As the Cold War swells over the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban-American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man. When tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future, and the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything - including the man who has stolen her heart.

Kayla 

This book was just as amazing as Next Year in Havana! I was so excited to read Beatriz’s story, she sounded like such an intriguing character in Next Year in Havana. Beatriz is adjusting to her new life in Miami, Florida after fleeing Cuba when Castro becomes the Communist leader. She has every intention of returning to her beloved home and turns to some interesting people for help. Working with the CIA, Beatriz attempts to infiltrate Castro’s inner circle and make her way back to Havana. .
.
I cannot even begin to tell you what a ride this was! From Miami to New York to London to Havana, we follow Beatriz as she becomes a double agent, falls in love with a senator and risks her life to save her homeland. This book took you on an adventure you didn’t even see coming! Beatriz is such a strong character and I absolutely love her devotion to Cuba and her perseverance to live her own life, society be dammed. ..

I've said it once and I'll say it again, Beatriz is THAT BITCH.

Heather Harrington

*3.5

After the Cuban Revolution, Beatriz Perez and her family went from Cuban socialites to exiles living in Florida. Everything was taken from Beatriz: her status, her home, but most importantly, her brother who she believes was killed on Fidel Castro's order. Vowing to do whatever it takes to avenge her brother, Beatriz doesn't hesitate when she's approached by the CIA to infiltrate Castro's inner circle. Despite the numerous dangers, Beatriz is instantly swept up and taken with her new life of espionage, and with a handsome politician who has ambitions of his own. As time goes on and threats abound, Beatriz must make harsh choices not only to protect the home she loves but her heart as well. 

I loved Next Year in Havana, so I was hoping to feel the same towards this, but it just wasn't there for me. I think some of it had to do with my expectations, I was thinking it was going to be more in the same vein as the first, but it couldn't have been more different. This was truly a spy novel with sprinkles of a forbidden romance, and that just didn't appeal to me as much. I did enjoy Beatriz as a character and felt she was incredibly strong-willed and determined. I admired how she wanted to make her own way in the world rather than just be someone's trophy wife. I didn't love the affair between her and Nick since it just always felt unbalanced where one was always more invested than the other. The political maneuverings were interesting, but since that's not something I really care for, I was never fully invested in the outcomes. While there were aspects of this I liked, such as the setting, history, and atmosphere, ultimately I just wasn't as satisfied as I hoped to be.

Find this review and more at 
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If you saw my review for Next Year in Havana back in March, you'll know how deeply I fell in love with Chanel's first historical fiction novel. It was a switch for me, a pretty much solely romance reader, but it's still one of my favorite books of the year so far. And an all time favorite. The follow up, When We Left Cuba, also has a special place in my heart. It was beautiful, empowering and unforgettable.

Beatriz Perez was a force of nature. I knew this based on the little time she appeared in Next Year in Havana. But I also knew there was so much more to her than what I saw in that book. I couldn't wait to get the full story. I was utterly enamored with her from the first pages of When We Left Cuba, torn between wanting to devour the entire book and savor it. In case you're curious, I chose devour, reading it in one sitting. Beatriz's strength and determination was enviable and I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once, wondering what would happen. And the romance? Oh, my heart. It might never recover.

Beatriz's story — and When We Left Cuba overall — was everything I wanted and more. I lived for everything from the espionage to the romance (of course). My feels had feels during this book. I think I highlighted about a 1/3 of it because the words were just so gorgeous. I could feel Chanel's passion for Cuba and the Perez sisters in every single word. My own words just can't do justice to hers and to the things these books have done to me. I wasn't sure I would enjoy historical fiction, but hers fit oh-so-right for this romance-loving lady. I can't wait to see what she gives us next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Favorite Quotes:

The thing about collecting marriage proposals is that people assume you're a flirt, and perhaps I was, once, long ago, but now it feels unnatural to play the coquette. I am somewhere between the girl I was and the woman I want to be.

"You should try a little rebellion sometimes. It's really not so bad."

"Cuba is my home. It will always be home. I will always wish for it to be better, to be what I think it could be, but yes. It will always have my heart."

If I'm going to have regrets in this life, I'd rather them be for the chances I took and not the opportunities I let slip away.

"Will you dance with me, Beatriz Perez, kisser-of-revolutionaries and thief-of-hearts?"

Men come and go, revolutions rise and fall, and here we stand.

Lacey

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

4.5 STARS

What an unforgettable read! Beatriz’s story took my breath away – this novel was one I couldn’t put down. I’ve loved Chanel Cleeton’s writing for years now, but it truly shines when she writes historical fiction (though I still LOVE her romances). When We Left Cuba takes us on the wild, daring, touching story of a woman who seeks to reclaim her home and country from the revolution that’s stolen everything from her and her family.

It is 1960s Florida, Palm Beach, one year after the Perez’s were exiled from Cuba and forced to seek asylum in America. The family has settled, but Beatriz has not. Her heart is restless for her home country, and she’ll do anything to go back, including take down Fidel Castro with the help of the CIA. I absolutely loved Beatriz. She is a proud, brave, and passionate heroine. We witness the ups and downs of her trying to break away from the society girl mold she’s lived her whole life to her involvement with Cuban and American politics, the constant circle of hope, devastation, fear, and love she feels. She falls in love with a forbidden senator, but that doesn’t stop her from continuing on with her quest for revenge and justice.

I’m unbelievably impressed with the way Chanel Cleeton was able to weave Beatriz’s fictional story with real life historical events. It felt seamless and genuine, and Chanel’s writing easily transported me to this tumultuous time period. The political intrigue, the history, the passion, it all blended so well and kept me hooked onto the pages. When We Left Cuba is a beautifully-written, unputdownable historical novel that I can’t recommend enough.

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/2DmDID9
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2IrQuUX
Audible: https://amzn.to/2Djk3E2

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